Saturday 28 July 2007

Addicks sizzle as Gills fizzle

I would have needed some very good excuse not to make the short hop from Erith to Gillingham and I was well pleased that I did, writes Paul May. I saw the Addicks demolish the Gills 5-0, Simon Royce being in goal for the home side. OK, it's only a practice game against League 1 opposition, but there were a lot of positives to take away from the game.

Darren Ambrose had a particularly good game, scoring two of the goals. In fact I don't think I've seen him play better. Andy Reid was the midfield general we all think he is and played his part in the first four goals.

Todorov got his first goal for the Addicks, the other goals coming from a Thomas penalty and an own goal. Incidentally, Toddy showed a welcome ability to hold up the ball, creating the opportunity for the first Ambrose strike. Big Chris was the other player up front, apparently all our other strikers have minor niggles.

Jose Semedo had a first rate game in a defensive midfield role as did Yassin Moutaouakil (he had a bit of handbags with one of the Gillingham players and was subbed soon afterwards, Pards reading him the riot act). Magic and Diawara looked very solid in central defence. Thatcher was on the left and was competent enough, but Chris Powell was there on the bench if needed, being brought on to replace Semedo on 61 minutes.

Weaver wasn't troubled too much in the Charlton goal, apart from one effort towards the end, but did what he had to do well enough. Holland, Fortune, Sinclair and Faye also came on as substitutes, there having been some speculation about the latter's whereabouts and fate.

There was a bit of talk about another two players leaving, Fortune could be one, the other name that came up was Marcus Bent, but too much should not be read into his absence today as he has been injured.

Well worth the missed boozing time and I'll make up for it with a few celebratory sherbets tonight. But the big night out will be after Scunny!

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